BULLFINCH GROSBEAK. 



319 



This bird is a native of England, and constructs 

 its nest in the thickest parts of a white or black- 

 thorn hedge ; it is composed of small dry twigs, 

 lined with moss : the female lays five or six dirty 

 blueish white eggs, marked with dark spots at the 

 larger end : it breeds about the latter end of May. 



It is not gregarious, as seldom more than a 

 brood is seen together : it is found in this country 

 all the year, in the summer frequenting woods and 

 retired places, and in the winter attacking the 

 buds of trees in gardens and orchards. The wild 

 notes of this bird are few, but extremely soft, and 

 generally uttered so low as to escape a common 

 observer : both male and female may be taught to 

 whistle a variety of tunes, and also to articulate 

 words ; this is generally practised in Germany, 

 from whence they are brought to London. It ap- 

 pears to be found over most parts of the continent 

 of Europe, throughout Russia and Siberia. They 

 are called in some places Nopes, in others Thick- 

 bills, Red-hoops, Tony-hoops, and Alps. It has 

 been tried to breed this bird, but without success, 

 as the male generally falls a victim to the fury of 

 the female. 



